Numbers 27: Lessons on Spiritual Inheritance, Leadership, and Succession

Introduction: Frequently, criticism malign the Bible with false charges. Among other false criticisms. Many incorrectly assume that it endorses evil human institutions. It doesn’t. Here, the daughters of Zelophehad, within the tribe of Manasseh, complained to Moses and Eleazar that the male-oriented inheritance rules from that time would have left them no inheritance in the Promised Land. Moses turned to God in prayer, and God told Moses to give the women their inheritance. This was a revolutionary moment in probate law. It showed that God is fair and just. In the same story, Moses had to prepare for a successor. In that time, the common practice was for the leader to pick their son. This is sadly still common in some churches today. But Moses turned to God in prayer, and God selected Joshua to succeed him. The lesson from both of these accounts is to let God guide any important question in your life. Among other things, this includes questions of fairness, equity, inheritance, leadership, and succession.

1. Our Spiritual Inheritance in Heaven Comes through God’s Mercy and Grace. Nu. 27:1-11.

Zelophehad’s daughters petition Moses and Eleazar1

2. Being Restored to Righteousness, We Must Also Petition for Others.

3. Leave a Spiritual Inheritance for Others.

4. Godly Leaders Cannot Lead Through Self-Righteousness. Nu. 27:12-14.

5. Guided by the Holy Spirit, You also Must Select Leaders to Replace You. Nu. 27:15-23.

Moses lays hands on Joshua to be his successor2

6. A Future Leader Must Be Both Filled With and Guided by the Holy Spirit.

7. A Future Leader Must Be Righteous and Unstained by the World.